Brooklyn Man Charged with Distribution of Cocaine Base and Cocaine

BURLINGTON - The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on June 25, 2026, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Tyquan Washington, a/k/a "Bones," 36, of Brooklyn, New York, with distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base (crack cocaine) and a quantity of cocaine.

Washington was arrested in New Jersey on June 11, 2026, pursuant to a warrant issued in connection with a criminal complaint filed in 2024 that charged Washington with the same distribution offense. Washington thereafter appeared before a United States Magistrate Judge in the District of New Jersey, where he was detained, and ordered transported to the District of Vermont. Upon arrival in Vermont, Washington was arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle on Monday, August 3, 2026.

According to court records, on February 22, 2024, agents with Homeland Security Investigations made a controlled purchase of more than 29 grams of cocaine base and a quantity of powder cocaine from Washington in Burlington, Vermont. Court records also indicate that the government has collected evidence that Washington is responsible for leading a drug trafficking organization that began operating in Vermont no later than 2023.

The United States Attorney's Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Washington is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Washington faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years' imprisonment, and up to 40 years' imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Arra. Washington is represented by Attorney William E. Kraham.